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Introduction: The Importance of Srivari Laddu Prasadam Srivari Laddu Prasadam is more than just a delicacy; it is an emblem of devotion and spiritual significance that is cherished by millions of devotees visiting the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. As the most sought-after prasadam (religious offering) in India, it holds immense cultural and spiritual value. However, in recent times, there were concerns about the sanctity and authenticity of this revered offering. Thanks to renewed efforts by temple authorities and devotees, the purity and holiness of Srivari Laddu Prasadam have been successfully restored. Historical Importance of Srivari Laddu Prasadam The history of Srivari Laddu Prasadam dates back to centuries and is deeply intertwined with the traditions of the Tirumala Temple. Prepared as an offering to Lord Venkateswara, this laddu is considered sacred. Devotees believe that consuming the prasadam brings blessings and good fortune, making it a highly treasured part of the pilgrimage experience. The preparation process of the laddu has always been meticulous, adhering to strict religious guidelines. Ingredients like pure ghee, flour, sugar, and cardamom are carefully measured and cooked in a manner that ensures purity. Every step, from preparation to distribution, has religious rituals associated with it, making Srivari Laddu an embodiment of devotion. Challenges Faced: Issues Impacting the Laddu’s Sanctity Over the past few years, there were several concerns regarding the purity and sanctity of Srivari Laddu Prasadam. Some of the issues reported included the use of substandard ingredients, mismanagement in distribution, and counterfeit laddus being sold outside the temple premises. These problems raised questions about whether the laddu was retaining its sacred essence, sparking worries among devotees and religious authorities. The commercial exploitation of this sacred prasadam led to unauthorized vendors selling counterfeit laddus, which diluted its spiritual significance. Devotees, unaware of the fake products, would purchase these counterfeit offerings, diminishing the divine connection they sought during their pilgrimage. Efforts to Restore the Sanctity of Srivari Laddu Prasadam Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the temple, took swift and comprehensive measures to restore the authenticity and sanctity of the laddu prasadam. The first step involved revisiting the procurement of ingredients, ensuring that only the finest and purest ghee, flour, and other ingredients were used in the preparation. The TTD also tightened security measures around the production and distribution of the laddus. Authorized staff members were given strict instructions, and the use of technology was introduced to monitor every stage of the production process. By ensuring that no unauthorized personnel were involved, they successfully curbed the production of counterfeit laddus. Additionally, the TTD took legal actions to prevent the sale of fake laddus outside the temple premises. Devotees were educated on how to identify the authentic Srivari Laddu Prasadam, and a concerted effort was made to maintain the temple's reputation for providing a spiritual experience of the highest integrity. The Role of Devotees in Upholding the Sanctity While the temple authorities played a pivotal role in reclaiming the purity of the Srivari Laddu Prasadam, the devotees also had an important part to play. By staying vigilant and ensuring they only received the prasadam from authorized sources, devotees contributed to safeguarding the sanctity of the laddu. Awareness campaigns were launched by the temple authorities to inform devotees about the risks of purchasing counterfeit laddus. Pilgrims were educated on recognizing the authentic packaging and the importance of obtaining the prasadam only from designated counters within the temple complex. These efforts ensured that the spiritual value of the laddu remained intact, and pilgrims continued to trust its sanctity. Impact of Restoring the Sanctity: Reaffirming Faith and Devotion The restoration of the Srivari Laddu Prasadam's sanctity has had a profound impact on devotees and the temple itself. With renewed confidence in the authenticity of the laddu, pilgrims once again feel a deep spiritual connection when receiving and consuming the prasadam. The temple authorities' swift action in addressing concerns reassured devotees that their devotion and faith were being honored. This restoration also reinforced the importance of maintaining religious practices and upholding the sanctity of sacred offerings in temples. It served as a reminder that, while modernization and commercialization have their place, they should not compromise the spiritual essence of religious traditions. Future Measures to Protect the Srivari Laddu Prasadam To prevent future disruptions in the purity of Srivari Laddu Prasadam, the TTD has established long-term measures that ensure continuous monitoring of the laddu’s preparation and distribution process. The temple management has embraced a combination of traditional and modern practices to safeguard the sanctity of this prasadam for future generations. One of the key steps includes adopting advanced technology such as blockchain to track the supply chain of ingredients, ensuring transparency at every stage of production. This will make it easier to maintain the authenticity and quality of the laddu, leaving no room for malpractices or the use of substandard ingredients. The temple authorities are also working on creating a sustainable model where devotees can pre-book their laddu prasadam through the temple's official website, reducing the likelihood of counterfeit laddus being sold in the open market. By streamlining the entire process, the TTD aims to further solidify the trust between the temple and its devotees. Conclusion: A Sacred Tradition Preserved The restoration of the sanctity of Srivari Laddu Prasadam marks a significant victory for both the temple authorities and devotees. By taking swift and decisive action, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple has successfully preserved a centuries-old tradition, ensuring that future generations can continue to partake in the spiritual and cultural richness associated with the prasadam. As one of the most revered offerings in India, Srivari Laddu Prasadam is not just a symbol of devotion but a testament to the enduring faith of millions. With its sanctity restored, it once again serves as a bridge between the divine and the devotees, fulfilling its role as a sacred blessing from Lord Venkateswara. Andhra Pradesh
  • September 21, 2024

The Sanctity of Tirupati Srivari Laddu Prasadam Restored

Introduction: The Importance of Srivari Laddu Prasadam Srivari Laddu Prasadam is more than just a delicacy; it is an emblem…
The Tirupati Laddoo, known for its sacred value and distinct flavor, has recently been at the center of a major controversy. Allegations surfaced that the ghee used in preparing the prasad contained animal fats, including fish oil and beef tallow. These claims have led to an intense debate, especially after the involvement of Tamil Nadu-based A R Dairy Food Private Limited, a supplier of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). However, A R Dairy has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that the ghee they supplied was pure and met all necessary quality standards. A R Dairy Denies Allegations of Adulteration A R Dairy Food Private Limited, based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has strongly refuted any claims of adulterating the ghee supplied to the Tirupati temple. According to the company's quality control head, there is no evidence linking the alleged contaminated ghee sample to their company. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh had made lab reports public, claiming the presence of animal fats in the ghee used to prepare the laddoos, but A R Dairy insists that these reports do not point to their products. The company has highlighted several factors to support their stance. First, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) lab test results, which were at the heart of the controversy, do not specifically identify A R Dairy as the source of the contaminated ghee. Furthermore, the NDDB report suggests the possibility of false-positive results, adding another layer of doubt to the accusations. Traces of Foreign Fat: Understanding the Possibilities In response to the allegations, A R Dairy's quality control team explained that various factors could contribute to traces of foreign fat being found in ghee. For example, cow feed can sometimes contain materials that may affect the composition of the ghee produced from the milk. The company emphasized that the ghee they supplied to the TTD in June and July was thoroughly tested, and the temple authorities only accepted the products after receiving satisfactory test results. The dairy company ceased supplying ghee to the temple after July when the TTD changed its vendors. A R Dairy clarified that they have no control over what happened after their last delivery and that their ghee was only one part of the supply chain, with multiple suppliers providing ghee for the temple's prasad preparation. A R Dairy’s Stand: No Animal Fat in Ghee A R Dairy has firmly stood by its claim that the ghee samples tested could not have come from their company. The Managing Director of A R Dairy, Rajasekaran Raju, voiced his confidence in the quality of their product, stating that there is "no possibility of animal fat in the ghee" they supplied. He also pointed out that the Tirupati temple did not solely rely on A R Dairy for its ghee requirements. In fact, they were only one of several suppliers, providing a limited quantity. “We are not the major supplier,” Rajasekaran Raju explained. “We supplied only four tankers of ghee and stopped after receiving a report about quality issues. Additionally, the temple used ghee from other vendors in the laddoo prasad preparation.” The Forensic Science Laboratory Report: Questions Remain The controversy heightened when the Andhra Pradesh government, led by TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh Naidu, announced that forensic tests detected the presence of animal fats in the ghee. However, A R Dairy has consistently challenged the accuracy of these test results. Rajasekaran Raju argued that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report is flawed and that A R Dairy has its own independent test results to prove the purity of their ghee. The company also stated that they received communication from the TTD regarding the matter and responded promptly, but have yet to receive an official acknowledgment from the temple authorities. This lack of response has raised concerns about how the situation has been handled, with A R Dairy calling for greater transparency in the investigation process. A R Dairy’s Commitment to the Tirupati Temple A R Dairy's relationship with the Tirupati temple goes beyond a simple business transaction. Rajasekaran Raju explained that their supply of ghee to the temple was a form of indirect donation. “We never overcharged the Tirupati temple for the ghee,” he said. “Instead of making a direct donation, we managed the cost of the ghee to offer it as an indirect contribution to the temple.” This gesture highlights A R Dairy’s long-standing commitment to the temple and its practices. The company has expressed disappointment at the accusations, asserting that their role in supplying ghee has always been one of respect and reverence for the temple and its devotees. Conclusion: The Road Ahead for A R Dairy and Tirupati Temple The Tirupati laddoo ghee controversy has left many questions unanswered, but A R Dairy has maintained a clear and consistent position: the ghee they supplied was not adulterated, and any claims to the contrary are unsubstantiated. While the controversy has cast a shadow over the temple’s sacred prasad, the dairy company is hopeful that further investigations will clarify the situation. A R Dairy’s call for transparency and their willingness to cooperate with authorities suggests that the company is confident in its practices and the quality of its products. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on identifying the true source of the contamination and ensuring that the sanctity of the Tirupati laddoo is preserved. For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control and transparent communication in the production of food that holds both spiritual and cultural significance. Andhra Pradesh
  • September 20, 2024

Tirupati Laddoo Ghee Controversy A R Dairy Firm Denies Allegations of Adulteration

The Tirupati Laddoo, known for its sacred value and distinct flavor, has recently been at the center of a major…
In a surprising turn of events, a recent laboratory report has brought to light troubling revelations regarding the famous Tirupati Laddu Prasad, offered at the revered Shri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. According to the report, there are claims that beef fat, fish oil, and palm oil have been used in the preparation of these sacred sweets, leading to widespread shock and controversy. These allegations have sparked a heated political debate, with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, raising concerns about the use of substandard ingredients during the previous government's administration. Allegations of Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddu The Tirupati Laddu is an iconic offering at the Shri Venkateswara Temple, considered sacred by millions of devotees who visit the temple each year. As a consecrated sweet, it is revered and holds deep religious significance for Hindus. The claim that ingredients such as beef fat and fish oil have been used in its preparation has understandably created outrage among devotees and the general public. On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made a bold accusation, stating that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were allegedly used in the laddu preparation during the tenure of the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. This revelation has called into question the quality control measures in place and has raised concerns over the sanctity of the Prasad offered to devotees. Political Backlash and Denial by YSRCP The accusations made by Chief Minister Naidu have been met with immediate denial by the YSRCP, which categorically rejected the claims. A spokesperson from the party labeled the accusations as politically motivated, aiming to tarnish the image of the previous government. They emphasized that the YSRCP has always maintained the highest standards in ensuring the purity and sanctity of the Tirupati Laddu. Despite the strong denial, the controversy continues to brew, as many questions remain unanswered. The laboratory report that allegedly found traces of beef fat, fish oil, and palm oil has yet to be fully scrutinized, and calls for further investigation have been growing louder. The Importance of the Tirupati Laddu The Tirupati Laddu holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, not only for its religious significance but also for its unique preparation. Made from ingredients such as gram flour, ghee, sugar, and dried fruits, the laddu is prepared in a traditional manner passed down through generations. The temple authorities take great pride in maintaining the quality and purity of the ingredients used in its preparation. For many, the laddu is more than just a sweet—it is considered a blessed offering from Lord Venkateswara. Devotees believe that consuming the Prasad brings blessings and divine grace. Therefore, the allegations of impure ingredients have struck a sensitive chord, causing widespread concern and disappointment. Lab Report Findings and Need for Transparency The lab report, which allegedly detected the use of animal fat and fish oil in the laddus, has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability. If proven true, this would not only damage the reputation of the temple but also affect the faith of millions of devotees who revere the Tirupati Laddu as a sacred offering. However, it is crucial to approach these claims with caution. Lab reports can be subject to scrutiny, and the presence of such ingredients needs to be confirmed through thorough investigations. The temple authorities, along with government officials, must take immediate steps to address these concerns and ensure that the truth is brought to light. Public Reaction and Demand for Accountability As news of the lab report findings spread, the public reaction has been swift and strong. Many devotees have expressed their shock and disbelief at the allegations, calling for a transparent investigation into the matter. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for accountability, with people voicing their concerns over the potential breach of religious sanctity. Religious leaders and organizations have also joined the conversation, urging the temple authorities and government to take swift action to clarify the situation. The sentiment among many is that the sacredness of the Prasad must be preserved at all costs, and any attempt to compromise its purity should be met with strict consequences. The Role of Government and Temple Authorities Andhra Pradesh
  • September 19, 2024

Tirupati Temple Prasad Controversy: Allegations of Beef Fat and Fish Oil in Laddu Preparation – Lab Report Findings

In a surprising turn of events, a recent laboratory report has brought to light troubling revelations regarding the famous Tirupati…
September 9 School and College Holidays Announced in Andhra Pradesh Due to Heavy Rainfall Several districts in Andhra Pradesh are bracing for a heavy downpour, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting substantial rainfall across the region. This weather disturbance is attributed to a low-pressure system developing in the Bay of Bengal, causing heavy rains across key districts, including Vijayanagaram, Visakhapatnam, Konaseema, the Godavari region, and Srikakulam. These extreme weather conditions have led to significant waterlogging and disruption in daily activities. Schools and Colleges Closed Due to Severe Weather To ensure the safety of students and staff, the district collectors of several regions in Andhra Pradesh have declared holidays for schools and colleges. Specifically, Vijayanagaram District’s collector has issued an official notice declaring that both private and public educational institutions will remain closed due to the heavy rains and the potential for flooding. The holiday is expected to last for at least three days as the meteorological forecast predicts continuous rainfall. Areas Affected by School and College Closures The districts most affected by the rainfall include Vijayanagaram, Visakhapatnam, and the Godavari region, where roads are already inundated, and daily life has been severely impacted. The IMD has warned of more heavy rains in the coming days, especially in coastal areas, putting these districts on high alert. This has prompted district authorities to act swiftly by declaring holidays in the following districts: Srikakulam Parvathipuram Alluri Sitharama Raju Authorities are still monitoring the situation closely in Visakhapatnam and the Godavari districts, and an official announcement regarding school closures in these areas is expected soon. Meteorological Alert: More Rain Expected According to the latest IMD reports, the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and is likely to evolve into a severe cyclonic storm. This weather event is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in multiple regions, particularly the northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. Alerts have been issued in the districts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, and Visakhapatnam, warning citizens and students to stay indoors and remain cautious. The collector of Srikakulam, Swapnil Dinakar, confirmed that all schools and colleges in the district would remain closed on September 9 due to the extreme weather conditions. Heavy rains have already begun to affect Srikakulam, and the situation is expected to worsen over the coming days. Similarly, Vijayanagaram District’s collector has followed suit, issuing orders to close all educational institutions in the region to prevent any accidents caused by flooding and waterlogged roads. Intensification of the Low-Pressure System The low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal is currently situated approximately 280 kilometers east of Kalingapatnam, 230 kilometers east-southeast of Gopalpur, and 260 kilometers southeast of Paradip. It is expected to strengthen further, potentially becoming a severe cyclonic storm. The system is likely to make landfall between Puri and Digha, with its intensity peaking by Monday evening or night. In the coming two days, this system is expected to move in a northwesterly direction, impacting areas such as Odisha, the Ganges basin, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and northern Chhattisgarh. These areas, along with Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts, are likely to experience widespread rainfall. The Visakhapatnam meteorological office has advised residents and students in these areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilizes. Government Response and Future Announcements To mitigate the impact of the heavy rains, government officials in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts have issued holiday declarations for schools on September 9. The IMD’s forecasts suggest that the weather could persist beyond this date, which could prompt further closures if necessary. In addition to these closures, the authorities have also issued warnings for heavy rainfall in districts such as Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Kakinada. These warnings indicate that more districts may follow with school closure announcements. As of now, the district authorities in these regions are closely monitoring the situation and will make necessary decisions in the coming days to ensure the safety of students and the general public. Safety Measures for Students and Residents Given the severity of the weather, residents, particularly students, are urged to take precautions. With more rain expected, water levels are likely to rise, making travel hazardous. Parents are advised to keep their children at home, especially with schools and colleges being closed for the foreseeable future. The meteorological department has emphasized the importance of remaining indoors, avoiding low-lying areas prone to flooding, and staying informed about the latest weather updates. Emergency services are on standby in case of any critical situations that arise due to the rainfall. Conclusion The severe weather conditions caused by the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal are expected to persist in Andhra Pradesh for the next few days, particularly impacting districts like Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam. As a precautionary measure, district collectors have declared holidays for schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students and staff. With more rain forecasted, it is crucial for residents to stay updated on weather conditions and follow the guidelines issued by local authorities. As the situation develops, additional announcements regarding school and college closures are expected in other districts. Stay tuned for further updates and remain cautious during this period of extreme weather. Andhra Pradesh
  • September 8, 2024

Schools and Colleges Closed Due to Rain in this Districts

Schools and Colleges Closed Due to Rain in this Districts on September 9, 2024, Holiday Announced in Telangana and Andhra…
Consumer Affairs Food & Civil Supplies Department - Rationalization and creation of about 2,774 Fair Price Shops orders were issued rationalization of existing Fair Price Shops in the State by attaching the required number of cards to each shop for convenience of the cardholder in the locality and keeping in view the economic viability of the fair price shop. a. Rural areas: 400 to 450 cards b. Urban areas: 500 to 550 cards c. Corporations: 600 to 650 cards d. Rural areas- Each Gram Panchayat (v) should have at least one F.P. shop with a minimum of 400 cards. In case, there are more number of cards in excess of the minimum number of cards i.e 400 in a village there can be two FP Shops, provided the total number of cards in that village is not less than 600 and the number of cards should be attached to the two Fair Price Shops equally. e. Opening of a fair price shop within one kilometer radius of the residence of the card holder shall be scrupulously followed. 2. In the reference 3rd read above, during the departmental review meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh on 02.08.2024, the following discussions / suggestions are made: “It is observed that, certain shops are having more number of cards and certain shops are having less number of cards. It is decided that an exercise of rationalization of shops may be undertaken, duly keeping their economic viability in view, and then appropriate action for fling them may be taken up”. Andhra Pradesh
  • September 3, 2024

Apply for New 2774 Fair Price Shops in Andhra Pradesh

Government of Andhra Pradesh with GO MS 10 on 3 September 2024 issued Orders for rationalization of existing Fair Price…
Government, while withdrawing the prevailing sand policies (New Sand Mining Policy 2019 and Upgraded Sand policy 2021) introduced the Interim Mechanism for supply of sand to the consumers without any revenue to the Government till formulation of Sand Mining Policy 2024 with certain objectives as mentioned therein. 2. In single e-file 2nd read above, the Commissioner and Director of Mines & Geology, AP., has stated that the implementation of the free sand supply mechanism has been reviewed and it is noted that there are certain areas related to sand supplies which need to be further improved to overcome the challenges faced in implementation of the Interim Mechanism for supply of sand issued vide G.O. 1st read above. 3. Accordingly, the Commissioner and Director of Mines & Geology, AP., after discussions at different levels has submitted a proposal with guidelines for improvement of Mechanism for supply of sand. 4. Government, after careful examination of the entire issue and in continuation of the orders issued vide G.O 1st read above, hereby issue the following Revised Free Sand Policy guidelines to further improve the sand supply mechanism; a) to make the process; technology based, user friendly, transparent and open. b) to regulate unrestricted discretion in demand of transportation charges. c) for efficient management of stock yards/reaches. d) for proper vigilance mechanism. e) for effective feedback and audit mechanism. A. Identification of Sources: I, II & IIIrd Order Streams 1. Customary extraction of sand in river streams of I, II & III orders by the public within the Gram Panchayat shall be permitted for personal use or community work in village. 2. The extraction of sand shall only be permitted through manual methods and no mechanical means be allowed. 3. Sand may be sourced for local needs by bullock carts. 4. Seigniorage Fee, DMF & MERIT shall be exempted for I, II & III order streams. 5. District Collector shall devise the mechanism for proper administration for extraction of sand from I, II & III order streams. IV, V & Higher Order Streams 1. Sand excavation in river streams of IV, V & higher order streams will be permitted subject to obtaining all the applicable approvals, permissions and compliance of APMMC Rules, 1966, EIA Notification 2006, guidelines issued by MOEF&CC, orders of Hon’ble NGT & Supreme Court. 2. DLSC shall identify the reaches in IV, V and Higher Orders streams and obtain all necessary statutory clearances from competent authorities prior to commencement of operations. 3. Sand extraction by public through bullock carts for personal use or community work in village within Gram Panchayat shall be permitted in IV, V and Higher Orders streams with exemption of Seigniorage Fee, DMF & MERIT. Patta Lands 1. Sand casted in Patta lands shall have to be removed to make them fit for agriculture purposes. 2. DLSC on obtaining the consent from Pattadars may approve de-casting of the Patta lands. 3. Mining outside the riverbed on Patta land shall be granted. Sand excavation in patta lands shall be permitted with the following conditions. Condition Excavation Responsibility End Users Possibility of Replenishment (or) No possibility of replenishment and no riverbed mining possibility within 5 KM Pattadars/private persons No Restriction on End Consumers No Possibility of Replenishment and riverbed mining possibility within 5 KM DLSC/Any govt nominated agency Government Projects only. Material shall not be used for sale in open market. 4. Patta lands falling within riverbed shall only be de-casted by DLSC after obtaining statutory clearances. 5. A beneficiary amount, as fixed by Government shall be paid to the Pattadars for the excavation conducted by DLSC/ any Government agency nominated for this purpose. 6. Upper Price Limit of sand shall be fixed by the DLSC of the respective district for the sand excavated by Pattadars. 7. Separate guidelines for sand excavation, loading & transportation from the patta land/ khatedari land shall be formulated and circulated in due course of time. iv. Sand Extraction in Scheduled Areas: a. Excavation from Sand bearing areas located partially/fully in Scheduled Areas shall be done by forming Tribal Societies as per the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Rules, 2011 or any Rules/Amendments made thereunder with Technical and Administrative support from DLSC under the direct supervision and control of the ITDA / District Collector & Magistrate concerned. b. DLSC shall dispose the excavated sand by following the prescribed norms. v. De-Siltation of Rivers/ Canals/ Dams/ Reservoirs/Barrages: • De-Siltation operations shall be undertaken as per the detailed guidelines provided vide G.O.Ms. No. 43, Ind & Com (Mines-III) Dept. dt. 08.07.2024. • Water Resources Dept., shall take up de-siltation activities in the foreshore areas (water spread area at FTL) of Reservoirs/Barrages/ tanks. De-siltation beyond foreshore areas of Reservoirs / Barrages / Tanks in river course may also be taken up by the Water Resources Dept wherever feasible as per the availability of existing staff. In case of manpower issues additional resources and multi departmental coordination will be guided by the Joint Collector of the district to facilitate de-siltation by WRD dept., in compliance with all applicable acts, rules and directions of MoEF&CC, Hon'ble NGT, Hon'ble HC & Hon'ble SC. B. Sand Booking & Supplies: i. The process of sand booking and supplies shall be digitized to enhance ease of booking for public, facilitate transportation at optimum-cost, streamline operations and strengthen vigilance mechanism. ii. DMG shall develop an online system for booking of sand by consumers. Sand booking shall also be permitted from Village/Ward Secretariats (VSWS). iii. Consumers who require sand for personal use (General consumers) shall be able to book directly from the online application/VSWS by providing details of the project and sand requirement. Post delivery of sand, validation of sand consumption shall be taken up through a reputed 3rd party agency. iv. After booking, each order shall be provided a specific delivery slot (time & date) at which sand shall be despatched from the reach/stockyard. v. Consumers who require sand for commercial use (Bulk consumers) shall be able to submit request for sand from the online application by providing details of the project and sand requirement. Sand shall be allotted to the consumers after pre-validation of the sand requirement by the Government. vi. Necessary Provisions may be made in the portal to facilitate development of weaker section housing programmes. C. Transportation: i. All Vehicles which intend to transport sand shall have to be equipped with GPS devices and get registered with DMG. ii. General consumers shall be given the option of arranging either their own vehicle for sand delivery or can request Government to arrange for transportation of sand to their project location. Bulk consumers shall be required to arrange for own transportation for delivery of sand to their respective project locations. Proper accounting shall be done for sand supplied post-delivery. Collectors to ensure such accounting for all such deliveries made. iii. Transportation agencies, which intend to participate in Government facilitated sand delivery to consumers, shall have to empanel themselves with DMG/District Administration and provide their preferred area of operations (reaches/stockyards and destinations). Detailed guidelines for empanelment, including the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and submission of Performance Security Deposit (PSD) shall be issued from time to time. iv. DLSC shall a. fix the maximum transportation cost to be charged by the transporters based on the type of vehicle, vehicle capacity and distance. b. arrange for empanelment of transporters complying with the transportation cost duly signing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and collecting Performance Security Deposits c. facilitate the transportation of sand by the empanelled vehicles for the consumers opted for Government facilitation. v. DMG shall a. develop an online application to facilitate the transporters in the registration & empanelment process. b. develop an online application to facilitate GPS tracking of all sand carrying vehicles to ensure sand is being delivered at the prescribed location, without any deviation. vi. All the Sand Carrying Vehicles shall display a banner of “Uchita Isuka Ravana Vahanam” in the front. D. Operations: i. DLSC shall appoint agencies to undertake various activities viz. sand extraction, loading, ramp maintenance, security etc. at the reaches/pattalands/stockyards etc., through an open and transparent process. ii. Access to the reach or stockyard will be strictly controlled, with only authorized personnel being allowed entry. iii. DLSC shall ensure installation of CCTV cameras to monitor activities at all the sand sources. E. Strengthening Institutional Mechanism: i. At State level, a Command & Control Centre shall be established to oversee all sand excavation, transportation activities and timely redressal of the grievances received from consumers. ii. At District level, Facilitation Centers shall be established to monitor sand supplies on real-time basis and improve co-ordination between consumers, transporters & other stakeholders. iii. Joint Collector shall be appointed as Special Officer for Sand Monitoring in respective districts. iv. Artificial Intelligence (AI) shall be leveraged to further improve the ease of sand booking for consumers and curb any scope for illegal hoarding/ mining/ transportation. F. Periodic Audits and Collection of Feedback: i. Public satisfaction on sand policy shall be assessed through periodic feedback collection from public/consumers. ii. Toll-Free No. and email-ids shall be provided for the public to submit grievances, if any. iii. To ensure this, audits by third-party agencies at reaches/ stockyards & sand delivery locations shall be taken up to ensure quantity, quality and process audits. 5. The Commissioner & Director of Mines and Geology, Government of A.P., shall submit proposals for necessary amendments accordingly to Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession (APMMC) Rules, 1966. 6. These orders shall come into force with immediate effect. 7. The Government may revise the Sand Policy in future as and when required. 8. The Commissioner & Director of Mines and Geology, A.P., and all the concerned officers mentioned in the address entries shall take necessary action accordingly in the matter. Andhra Pradesh
  • September 2, 2024

AP Free Sand Policy Guidelines GO 49 on 2 September 2024

Government of Andhra Pradesh Free Sand Policy Guidelines GO 49 on 2 September 2024, while withdrawing the prevailing sand policies…
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